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Time difference with a child - goodbye daily rhythm
by Myrtha Brunner
Moving house with children - how to control the chaos
26.7.2017
Translation: machine translated
Got a new flat or house? Sooner or later, most parents have to face the challenges of moving house. Sorting through all the things you've accumulated over the years, packing boxes... When you've got children on top of it all, the task becomes even more complicated. The only way to make your move as smooth as possible is to get organised and plan it properly.
At last, our new space awaits you! After weeks of organisation, we can finally see the end of the tunnel. We've taken our leave, the boxes are ready and we've already started making our changes of address.
In the middle of all this is our little girl, whose habits we've tried to maintain for as long as possible. If we follow the classic recommendations, we need to create daily rituals: getting up, eating, playing and sleeping always at the same time. And you also have to provide the child with a pleasant environment, which isn't exactly easy when you're in the middle of moving house... How on earth can I create a nice atmosphere when we're having our meals in the middle of boxes? I'll have to be very imaginative, but I can't just make the dismantled furniture and other items scattered everywhere disappear like magic. We'll keep the play area until the big day. In any case, it's easy to tidy up. All we have to do is put the toys in a box and take them out again in our new home. I don't dare think too much about my daughter's bedroom yet. Clothes, shoes, cuddly toys, books, nappies, wet wipes, creams, etc... What you can cram into a room that's so small!
In my opinion, child psychology remains the biggest challenge. It's important not to underestimate it. So I was very careful to include my daughter in the moving process. I packed with her, even though she's only a year and a half old. OK, so I filled the boxes and she took everything out again. I spent four times as much time as if I'd been on my own, but I'd recommend it to all parents. Let your children help you, even if you lose time. Give them a box to empty themselves at their destination. Show them your new home, take frequent tours of the neighbourhood and talk a lot about the move. Tell them why it's great to move and why you're doing it. Create new habits, while trying to keep the ones you've already established for as long as possible, as they provide stability.
My daughter stayed with her grandparents for two days during the move. I had to keep her away from all the stress, and it goes a lot quicker without a little munchkin around. We were also able to rearrange her room and recreate the playtime and bedtime atmosphere she was used to, so that she could quickly adapt to her new home and feel at ease there. If your children are older, take into account their decorating wishes, such as the colour of the walls or the position of the furniture. This way, you'll amaze your little ones and they'll forget their old flat more quickly... or so they hope. Try to make the child's arrival as pleasant as possible, and take your time. Don't leave him waiting in a corner with nothing to do - there are always boxes to unpack. Once empty, they'll make perfect tree houses! Your child will love them.
Have you been there or are you in the middle of moving? Help other parents and give some advice in the comments below.
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Header image: Good organisation and planning makes it easier to move with child(ren).
I’m the cook, cleaner, police officer, nurse, entertainer, motivator, author, storyteller, coach, organiser, chauffeur, lawyer and judge. To put it simply, I’m a mum to a daughter and not just a (Content) Manager at the office but also at home.
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